The Federal Government has announced the release of eight months’ arrears of the Consolidated Non-Academic Staff Tertiary Institutions Allowance, CONTA, owed to non-academic workers in federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
The allowance covers the period from January to August 2026.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the release on Wednesday, days after non-academic staff unions issued an ultimatum over the unpaid allowance.
Alausa said the payment demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to workers’ welfare and recognition of the critical role played by non-academic personnel in keeping tertiary institutions functional.
He said the move was also aimed at addressing legitimate welfare concerns, promoting industrial harmony and preventing disruptions to academic activities nationwide.
The minister assured that the Federal Ministry of Education would continue consultations with relevant unions, heads of institutions and other stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues.
He appealed to academic and non-academic staff, institutional authorities and unions to sustain their cooperation in the interest of stability in the tertiary education sector.
Alausa reiterated that the ministry would continue to prioritise staff welfare, institutional stability, human capital development and improved learning outcomes.
He added that the Federal Government remained committed to fulfilling its obligations to personnel in the tertiary education sector in line with the human capital development objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
